Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 29: A terrifying ordeal unfolded late Tuesday night when 32-year-old Aslam Pathan was dragged for nearly 5 to 6 kilometers on the bonnet of a moving car, from Mumbai’s international airport to Jogeshwari. The accused, cab driver Bheem Prasad Mahto, reportedly threatened Pathan, shouting, “Jump off or I’ll kill you” during the dangerous ride.

According to Pathan, who is also a cab driver, the incident began when his friend, Justin D’Souza, tried to enter the airport parking area, where another cab driver, Mahto, aggressively tried to overtake him on a narrow lane. A confrontation followed, during which Mahto allegedly abused and struck D’Souza on the head with a car key.

As the situation escalated, Mahto attempted to flee, hitting Pathan when he tried to block his vehicle. Pathan was thrown onto the car’s bonnet and dragged along the Western Express Highway, narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles and an auto-rickshaw.

“I was terrified for my life,” Pathan said. “He shouted at me twice, threatening to kill me if I didn’t jump off. I clung to the wipers and begged him to stop.”

The incident was recorded by a biker who tried to intervene, eventually forcing Mahto to halt near Jogeshwari. The biker and Pathan detained Mahto and brought him to the police. Although the case was initially reported at Jogeshwari police station, it was transferred to the Airport police jurisdiction.

Airport police Senior Inspector Madhukar Sanap stated that Mahto claimed he panicked when Pathan’s friends gathered, fearing an attack. He locked the doors and drove off with Pathan clinging to the bonnet. An FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicles Act, and Mahto has been summoned for investigation.